In Defense of the Astroscan (was Toy or Quality Scope?) (LONG)

The Astroscan is wonderful. I picked a used one up from Astromart this
summer and it has become my favorite, most used scope. And I have
several scopes to choose from in my astro corral, including a Starmaster
dob, a NexStar 5i, and a version of the ST80.

It is so easy to use, the motions are natural and intuitive (I can now
understand the appeal of the Portaballs!), and the wide field views are
nothing short of spectacular. Sweeping the Milky Way, DSO hopping among
clusters and nebulae, catching wider double stars, and observing dark
nebula surrounded by rich star fields are all real treats, and things
the 'Scan excels in. Seeing miniature versions of DSOs in their wide
field contexts is aesthetically enchanting. The whole experience is zen
like.

The peep sight works surprisingly well. With a 30mm Ultima, one is
viewing well over 3 degrees of the sky, so finding things is a snap. (If
it's in the peep sight, it's in the Ultima!) Placed on its cradle on a
solid tripod and you have a stable, inviting astro platform in the
Astroscan. It is certainly not a toy, with the pejorative connotations
of that word.

There are variations in quality according to some anecdotal reports,
with some saying things have gotten worse in recent years. A family
member has an old one that readily shows the Cassini division, and is
easily good for 120x+. The fixed collimation of the 'Scan, while not my
preference, is not that major a problem, so long as the factory set it
right to begin with. Just dig up old posts on Astroscans being dropped
and retaining collimation. And Edmund will still overhaul, clean, and
collimate 'Scans for only $35.

But back to the original poster's query. No, I wouldn't take an
Astroscan on a long hike into a wilderness area. Scope and cradle are
10-12 pounds depending on whose specs one uses. By contrast, the ST80
is, what, only about 3 pounds? If that?

Combine the ST80 with a light-weight camera tripod-- even department
store one-- and you have an eminently transportable package. We use it
for hiking into a nearby nature preserve and then set it all up for
viewing. It's also great for backyard birdwatching and picture taking.

But as an astronomical instrument? The ST80 is not my cup of tea.
Don't like the eyepiece positioning or diagonals. Many camera tripods
are too flimsy or unstable for it. Equatorial mounts too awkward (and
certainly wouldn't be a good choice for the wilderness!). Even solid
higher end Bogen tripods have one sort of problem or another (just
review any of the myriad of old threads on s.a.a.). The ST80 has color
fringing which some complain about (not me), and others have noted many
ST80's top mag can also be quite limited, not much more than many
Astroscans.

Even though I have a NexStar80, with its stable go-to mount (and the
option of putting it instead on a tripod with slo-mo controls), I still
reach for the little red ball wonder when twilight comes. I'll take the
Astroscan, any day, over an ST80 for star gazing, even if it were one
limited to 50x!

Larry Stedman
Vestal

Nice post, at least for those of us that either use an Astroscan or have
fond memories of using one. I haven't used either of mine for a whole lotta
years, but you have inspired me to get one out this evening. I remember
what seemed like great views of the Double Cluster, M31, and even splitting
Epsilon Lyrae. Our club has scheduled public observing this Friday, and I
think I will bring an Astroscan and let folks use it. Thanks.

Dennis

Bino-Astroscans: Great concept. But I'd guess you would need really
wide-set eyes!

I have only fond memories of my Astroscan; used within its limits, it
was great fun! But these days one can do better for that amount of money.

Phil

Dennis Woos wrote:
Nice post, at least for those of us that either use an Astroscan or have
fond memories of using one. I haven't used either of mine for a whole lotta
years, but you have inspired me to get one out this evening. I remember
what seemed like great views of the Double Cluster, M31, and even splitting
Epsilon Lyrae. Our club has scheduled public observing this Friday, and I
think I will bring an Astroscan and let folks use it. Thanks.

Dennis